What obstacles prevent administrators from supporting school libraries?
Communication
Communication is the major source of conflicts between librarians and administrators. Direct written and verbal communication is key to the success of any library. Administrators need to see (or be shown) a direct correlation between the work of the librarian and the success of the student. Improper communication, or a lack of communication can easily disrupt your success.
Research
Do your research. As a librarian you may be familiar with your professional literature, but your administrator probably isn't. Stay current and keep your administrators in the loop through appropriate channels of communication.
Time
Principals and administrators are busy! And while you make piles and piles of research, paperwork, and projects to show your successes, your principal only has a limited amount of time. Be sure to be concise and when you get that quality face-to-face time with your administrators, use it wisely.
Depending on your school or school district, you may also have conflicts regarding fixed or flexible scheduling.
Support
If your library is physically isolated from the rest of the school, or if you as the librarian choose to fly solo, it can cause serious problems for your success. The library is not an island, and doing well requires getting all parties involved: teachers, parents, students, and administrators. Use collaborative lesson planning with teachers, and get parents and students to volunteer at the library. When you have a support system already in place, you'll be equipped with an army of willing helpers for your cause.
The Bottom Line
Principals and administrators have to monitor and approve curriculum and budget changes. The primary goal of the administrator is to ensure the success of the student, which in times of budget cuts, forces administrators to prioritize. Through consistent documentation and communication you can show that the media center is an invaluable part of learning.
Communication is the major source of conflicts between librarians and administrators. Direct written and verbal communication is key to the success of any library. Administrators need to see (or be shown) a direct correlation between the work of the librarian and the success of the student. Improper communication, or a lack of communication can easily disrupt your success.
Research
Do your research. As a librarian you may be familiar with your professional literature, but your administrator probably isn't. Stay current and keep your administrators in the loop through appropriate channels of communication.
Time
Principals and administrators are busy! And while you make piles and piles of research, paperwork, and projects to show your successes, your principal only has a limited amount of time. Be sure to be concise and when you get that quality face-to-face time with your administrators, use it wisely.
Depending on your school or school district, you may also have conflicts regarding fixed or flexible scheduling.
Support
If your library is physically isolated from the rest of the school, or if you as the librarian choose to fly solo, it can cause serious problems for your success. The library is not an island, and doing well requires getting all parties involved: teachers, parents, students, and administrators. Use collaborative lesson planning with teachers, and get parents and students to volunteer at the library. When you have a support system already in place, you'll be equipped with an army of willing helpers for your cause.
The Bottom Line
Principals and administrators have to monitor and approve curriculum and budget changes. The primary goal of the administrator is to ensure the success of the student, which in times of budget cuts, forces administrators to prioritize. Through consistent documentation and communication you can show that the media center is an invaluable part of learning.